No matter how far you run, you still take yourself along for the ride.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

After exploring the fish based alleyways of Tsukiji market we zip off to take a look at the Imperial Palace.

It takes a while for us to get anywhere as I am obsessed with taking snaps of pretty much every cross roads I see . . .

The Imperial Palace is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls.

Edo Castle was the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country’s capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.

Below is the Nijubashi Bridge meaning ‘double bridge’

The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its looks. The bridge in the back was formerly a wooden bridge with two levels, from which the name Nijubashi (Double Bridge) is derived.

In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards.

The palace is hemmed in on all sides by modernity – highrise buildings crowd in on the green oasis. The man attempts to get to grips with chopsticks with mixed results.

The palace is generally closed to the public. Except for each New Year and Emperor’s Birthday, the public is permitted to enter through the Nakamon (inner gate)

It’s a tranquil spot to pass half an hour but there’s not a great deal to linger for. Onwards!